Templenewsam Halton Primary School in Leeds has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 9 and 10, 2023. The school emphasizes a strong community ethos, encapsulated in its guiding principles of safety, motivation, and respect. Pupils take pride in their behavior, and staff maintain high expectations, applying rules consistently and fairly. This approach fosters a positive environment where students are eager to excel and appreciate recognition for their achievements, such as being featured on the class recognition wall or earning the Grace Wheeldon Award for kindness.
The school has established effective measures to address bullying, which is reported to be rare. When incidents occur, staff respond promptly, ensuring that pupils feel safe. Opportunities for students to take on responsibilities, such as being a ‘food friend’ to assist younger peers during lunchtime, contribute to a sense of belonging and community. The school also showcases pupils’ learning and achievements through various display boards, including a ‘science selfie’ board that highlights home science experiments.
Leaders have introduced the ‘Temple 30’ initiative, which enriches the curriculum with activities like den building and vegetable growing. Pupils enjoy collecting stamps for their participation in these activities. The school offers a variety of clubs, including drumming, computing, and dodgeball, and engages Year 5 students in the ‘SHOUT’ program with the local fire service, which has proven to be popular.
Since the last inspection, the senior leadership team has undergone significant changes, leading to a redesign of the school’s curriculum and improved communication with parents. While most parents appreciate these changes, a small minority feel that communication could be enhanced. Leaders have managed these transitions effectively, especially considering the challenges posed by the pandemic.
The new curriculum is built around values of communication, community, and adventure, with a focus on essential knowledge from early years through Year 6. Teachers emphasize vocabulary development, known as ‘SPLAT’ words, which are prominently displayed in classrooms. Pupils are rewarded for using these words in their work, promoting language acquisition.
However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in foundation subjects where support plans for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) lack clarity. Leaders are aware of this and are working to enhance these plans to ensure that all pupils can achieve high standards across subjects. The school has made strides in reading and mathematics, with a new phonics approach that effectively supports early learners and helps those needing extra assistance to catch up quickly.
In early years, mathematics is integrated into all activities, and initiatives like ‘memorable maths’ sessions help reinforce prior learning. Staff maintain clear expectations for behavior, fostering strong relationships with pupils. The school promotes an appreciation for diversity and encourages pupils to engage with different cultures and beliefs.
Staff feel valued and supported, with manageable workloads and helpful subject leaders. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, with thorough checks on staff suitability and effective training for staff to identify concerns. Weekly safeguarding bulletins and various safety scenarios help educate pupils on keeping themselves safe. Overall, Templenewsam Halton Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a safe, nurturing, and enriching educational environment for its pupils.
